The image of a savior may not typically align with a softly spoken 51-year-old sporting a greying beard who once played left-back for York City. Yet, the affection Graham Potter receives in Sweden is astonishing. Once a manager in search of renewal, he found a perfect match in a nation that had failed to secure a single victory in World Cup qualifying. His recent triumph over a struggling Tunisia marks the continuation of an impressive rejuvenation process.
Sweden’s qualifying campaign was dismal. Despite facing numerous injuries, two losses to Switzerland and Kosovo and two draws against Slovenia are hardly conducive to World Cup qualification. Following this disappointing run, Jon Dahl Tomasson was dismissed and Potter took the helm. His leadership saw Sweden capitalize on their Nations League performances, successfully defeating Ukraine and Poland to clinch a spot in the finals. Potter described the latter victory, sealed by an 89th-minute goal from Viktor Gyökeres, as the highlight of his career so far. Sunday night was a reward for that achievement.
As the match commenced, the clouds loomed low over the Sierra Madre, creating a stifling atmosphere. The temperature reached 27°C at kick-off, making conditions sticky and uncomfortable for players. Hydration breaks, though often criticized as emblematic of FIFA’s greed, were warranted in these circumstances, even if they were met with disapproval from many fans. However, a lively accordion player in a Stetson soon lifted spirits, suggesting that a revolution might not be imminent.
Changes were also afoot for Tunisia, who started their qualifying campaign with a different coach and ended it with another, along with two interim managers. The team’s disappointing performances in the Arab Cup and Africa Cup of Nations led to Sami Trabelsi’s replacement by Sabri Lamouchi, formerly of Nottingham Forest and Cardiff City. Lamouchi made significant alterations, calling up 11 players who were absent during the previous matches in Morocco, with five making the starting eleven.
One of those new inclusions was goalkeeper Abdelmouhib Chamakh, who played a crucial role in Sweden’s first two goals. Just six minutes into the match, he hesitated while approaching a ball from Viktor Lindelöf, allowing Gyökeres to capitalize on the mistake. After his initial shot was blocked, it fell to Brighton’s Yasin Ayari, who struck it home. Ayari, born in Stockholm to a Tunisian father, had resisted Tunisia’s advances for a national team call-up in 2021, waiting instead for Sweden’s invitation.
Chamakh’s errors continued, leading to Sweden’s second goal midway through the first half. Gyökeres was pivotal again, receiving the ball in the center circle before passing it to Alexander Isak, who cut inside and sent a low shot toward the goal. Although the shot lacked power, it slipped through Chamakh’s arms. Despite being partially obstructed, his body language suggested he was aware of the blunder he had committed.
Lamouchi seems to have addressed the long-standing anxiety that has plagued Tunisian football. While their early deficit may have played a role, the team did not resort to time-wasting tactics, instead attempting to play more creatively. However, this approach might have backfired given the final outcome.
Just before halftime, Lamouchi’s selections showed some promise when Omar Rekik scored from a glancing header off a cross from Hannibal Mejbri. For a brief period at the start of the second half, it appeared Tunisia could mount a comeback. Yet, another blunder sealed their fate. Ellyes Skhiri requested the ball from Chamakh and inexplicably drifted toward Isak. The Liverpool forward seized the opportunity to tackle him, leading to Gyökeres scoring again. Mattias Svanberg, who had just come off the bench, soon added another goal after Isak’s precise touch played him onside, and Ayari capped off his night with a second goal, making it five in injury time.
While Sweden’s previous win against Poland felt more like a series of fortunate events rather than a product of their play, this match highlighted their ability to capitalize on Tunisian mistakes. Eventually, they may need to create their own scoring opportunities, but for now, they relish the unexpected chance to compete in the World Cup. Just six months ago, such a scenario seemed improbable. The Potter transformation continues.
